Re: [RE-wrenches] Tigo to go?

[Mark Frye]

Marco,
 
I understand that the cost of electricity in Hawaii is pretty high so cost
can be justified. But don't forget the cost of bolting up each optimizer.
And the cost of doubling the number of cable connection, now and possibly in
the future. Complexity increase cost in the long run?
 
How closely have you looked at this? It looks like the Tigo is already about
1/4 the cost of an Enphase. So how close are you to moving from an optimizer
/ inverter combination to a microinverter?
 
Mark Frye 
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 
303 Redbud Way 
Nevada City,  CA 95959 
(530) 401-8024 
  www.berkeleysolar.com  
 

  _  

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 7:59 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Tigo to go?



What's the feedback on these Tigo buggers?  I'm not talking about sites
where shading is an issue, but a nice big commercial roof with no shading.

 

Specifically, I'm talking about a 400-module system feeding into a single PV
Powered 100 kW inverter.

 

Anyone have an opinion whether spending another $15,000 on gobs of little
tiny Tigos would be worth it as far as increased kWhs production?

 

Obviously it's in Tigo's interest to say emphatically yes.  But I is
wonderin'.

 

marco

 

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[RE-wrenches] SolarEdge v Enphase

[Mark Frye]

Folks,

Can anyone discern any compelling benefit of using the SolarEdge
architecture over a Enphase?

It seems to me that with SolarEdge you get the benefits of a microinverter
with all the downside of series string inverters.

SolarEdge still leaves you with bolting up a box at every module, with high
voltage (over 250V) DC wiring, and doubling DC connector count.
 
Mark Frye
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems
303 Redbud Way
Nevada City,  CA 95959
(530) 401-8024
www.berkeleysolar.com 

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[RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

[Mark Frye]

Folks,

Has anyone used Enphase monitoring data to get warranty replacement on new
modules with sub par yield?

I have several interesting questions stemming from access to Enphase module
level monitoring data.

Looking at data from a larger site (80 modules) with no shading issues,
instant power production indicates a high degree of uniformity in panel
power (Sharp NU-U240F1 and D380) easily within 1%.

So what can we now say about the precision and accuracy of this monitoring
data? It seems the old school thinking for string inverters was all the
monitors were 5% off and reporting 5% more power than actual.

Based on the data that I am looking at, it seems the microinverter meters
must be fairly precise and possibly fairly accurate as well. Uniformity of
module performance must also be fairly high.

In any case, this data clearly shows a single module that is not performing
as well as it's cohorts. For power levels above 50% of STC, it averages 9%
less power than all other modules in the system. So off to Sharp for a
warranty replacement? Yes, but, what if I am 5% low on the report from my
inverter meter and 5% lower on my power from this one module? What if the
module gets back to Sharp and they say it is within spec, now the costs are
all mine?

Interestingly enough, access to this monitoring data is making more work for
me as an installer. With a string inverter, I would monitor power production
readings monthly and be happy so long as yields were higher than what I
projected when I designed and bid the job. Pretty much fire and forget.

Now I am spending time on evaluating this data and doing the work to change
out the module under warranty and so forth. I am going to end up putting in
quite a few hours into this for what: to recapture 10% of 1/80 of total
system yield….0.0013%.

I am not complaining, just musing over this interesting evolution.
 
Mark Frye
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems
303 Redbud Way
Nevada City,  CA 95959
(530) 401-8024
www.berkeleysolar.com 

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[RE-wrenches] Paint for Rubber Flashings

[Drake]

Hello Wrenches,

We had a discussion on the list previously concerning degradation of 
rubber boots on flashings due to UV exposure.  Apparently painted 
boots will hold up much better than non painted.  Can anyone 
recommend an appropriate paint to use?


Thanks,

Drake

Drake Chamberlin
ATHENS ELECTRIC
OH License 44810
CO license 3773
NABCEP Certified PV
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

[matt]

Mark,

We have nine Trina modules on our roof with Enphase.  Enphase says the
array has produced 2,680 kWh to date.  The revenue grade meter 12 feet
away says 2,564.  Until I hear otherwise I am reluctant to consider
Enphase reporting precise.  It seems to be similar to what I would expect
from a string inverter.  I would be delighted to hear more anecdotes
confirming your observations.


Regards,

Matt


Matthew Partymiller
Solar Energy Solutions LLC
(859) 312-7456
m...@solar-energy-solutions.com


> Folks,
>
> Has anyone used Enphase monitoring data to get warranty replacement on new
> modules with sub par yield?
>
> I have several interesting questions stemming from access to Enphase
> module
> level monitoring data.
>
> Looking at data from a larger site (80 modules) with no shading issues,
> instant power production indicates a high degree of uniformity in panel
> power (Sharp NU-U240F1 and D380) easily within 1%.
>
> So what can we now say about the precision and accuracy of this monitoring
> data? It seems the old school thinking for string inverters was all the
> monitors were 5% off and reporting 5% more power than actual.
>
> Based on the data that I am looking at, it seems the microinverter meters
> must be fairly precise and possibly fairly accurate as well. Uniformity of
> module performance must also be fairly high.
>
> In any case, this data clearly shows a single module that is not
> performing
> as well as it's cohorts. For power levels above 50% of STC, it averages 9%
> less power than all other modules in the system. So off to Sharp for a
> warranty replacement? Yes, but, what if I am 5% low on the report from my
> inverter meter and 5% lower on my power from this one module? What if the
> module gets back to Sharp and they say it is within spec, now the costs
> are
> all mine?
>
> Interestingly enough, access to this monitoring data is making more work
> for
> me as an installer. With a string inverter, I would monitor power
> production
> readings monthly and be happy so long as yields were higher than what I
> projected when I designed and bid the job. Pretty much fire and forget.
>
> Now I am spending time on evaluating this data and doing the work to
> change
> out the module under warranty and so forth. I am going to end up putting
> in
> quite a few hours into this for what: to recapture 10% of 1/80 of total
> system yield….0.0013%.
>
> I am not complaining, just musing over this interesting evolution.
>
> Mark Frye
> Berkeley Solar Electric Systems
> 303 Redbud Way
> Nevada City,  CA 95959
> (530) 401-8024
> www.berkeleysolar.com
>
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>





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Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

[Phil Undercuffler]

First, I'd suggest swapping the inverter under the suspect module with it's
neighboring module's inverter.  See if the reduced output follows the
module, or the inverter.  If it follows the module, then I'd have a frank
talk with the module manufacturer, backed with the data you've gathered, to
see how they'll respond before yanking it out and shipping it back.  As you
note, it may be within spec, due to the tolerance of measurement error.
 Worst case, you've got instant vision as when the performance degrades
further to the point of clear warrantable failure.


Phil
---
"When we learn how to store electricity, we will cease being apes ourselves;
until then we are tailless orangutans. You see, we should utilize natural
forces and thus get all of our power. Sunshine is a form of energy, and the
winds and the tides are manifestations of energy.  Do we use them? Oh, no!
We burn up wood and coal, as renters burn up the front fence for fuel. We
live like squatters, not as if we owned the property.

There must surely come a time when heat and power will be stored in
unlimited quantities in every community, all gathered by natural forces."
-- Thomas Edison --



On Thu, Jun 9, 2011 at 6:32 AM, Mark Frye  wrote:

>  Folks,
>
> Has anyone used Enphase monitoring data to get warranty replacement on new
> modules with sub par yield?
>
> I have several interesting questions stemming from access to Enphase module
> level monitoring data.
>
> Looking at data from a larger site (80 modules) with no shading issues,
> instant power production indicates a high degree of uniformity in panel
> power (Sharp NU-U240F1 and D380) easily within 1%.
>
> So what can we now say about the precision and accuracy of this monitoring
> data? It seems the old school thinking for string inverters was all the
> monitors were 5% off and reporting 5% more power than actual.
>
> Based on the data that I am looking at, it seems the microinverter meters
> must be fairly precise and possibly fairly accurate as well. Uniformity of
> module performance must also be fairly high.
>
> In any case, this data clearly shows a single module that is not performing
> as well as it's cohorts. For power levels above 50% of STC, it averages 9%
> less power than all other modules in the system. So off to Sharp for a
> warranty replacement? Yes, but, what if I am 5% low on the report from my
> inverter meter and 5% lower on my power from this one module? What if the
> module gets back to Sharp and they say it is within spec, now the costs are
> all mine?
>
> Interestingly enough, access to this monitoring data is making more work
> for me as an installer. With a string inverter, I would monitor power
> production readings monthly and be happy so long as yields were higher than
> what I projected when I designed and bid the job. Pretty much fire and
> forget.
>
> Now I am spending time on evaluating this data and doing the work to change
> out the module under warranty and so forth. I am going to end up putting in
> quite a few hours into this for what: to recapture 10% of 1/80 of total
> system yield….0.0013%.
>
> I am not complaining, just musing over this interesting evolution.
>
> Mark Frye
> Berkeley Solar Electric Systems
> 303 Redbud Way
> Nevada City,  CA 95959
> (530) 401-8024
> *www.berkeleysolar.com* 
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

[Bob-O Schultze]

Good point, Matt. We've been required to install a revenue-grade solar 
production KWH meter in Oregon with every system. In 6-7 years with different 
inverter manus, I've never seen an inverter KWH display that wasn't, shall we 
say... exuberant, in relation to the revenue grade meter.
Bob-O


On Jun 9, 2011, at 6:47 AM, m...@solar-energy-solutions.com wrote:

Mark,

We have nine Trina modules on our roof with Enphase.  Enphase says the
array has produced 2,680 kWh to date.  The revenue grade meter 12 feet
away says 2,564.  Until I hear otherwise I am reluctant to consider
Enphase reporting precise.  It seems to be similar to what I would expect
from a string inverter.  I would be delighted to hear more anecdotes
confirming your observations.


Regards,

Matt


Matthew Partymiller
Solar Energy Solutions LLC
(859) 312-7456
m...@solar-energy-solutions.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

[Mark Frye]

Thanks Phil,
 
I have already swapped the module to confim that the problem follows the
module, not the inverter.
 
I am currently working within channels with my distributor for warranty
replacement having just requested an RMA.
 
Mark Frye 
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 
303 Redbud Way 
Nevada City,  CA 95959 
(530) 401-8024 
  www.berkeleysolar.com  
 

  _  

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Phil
Undercuffler
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 7:52 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data


First, I'd suggest swapping the inverter under the suspect module with it's
neighboring module's inverter.  See if the reduced output follows the
module, or the inverter.  If it follows the module, then I'd have a frank
talk with the module manufacturer, backed with the data you've gathered, to
see how they'll respond before yanking it out and shipping it back.  As you
note, it may be within spec, due to the tolerance of measurement error.
Worst case, you've got instant vision as when the performance degrades
further to the point of clear warrantable failure. 



Phil 
---
"When we learn how to store electricity, we will cease being apes ourselves;
until then we are tailless orangutans. You see, we should utilize natural
forces and thus get all of our power. Sunshine is a form of energy, and the
winds and the tides are manifestations of energy.  Do we use them? Oh, no!
We burn up wood and coal, as renters burn up the front fence for fuel. We
live like squatters, not as if we owned the property.  


There must surely come a time when heat and power will be stored in
unlimited quantities in every community, all gathered by natural forces."
-- Thomas Edison --



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Paint for Rubber Flashings

[August Goers]

Roofers often use this type of aluminum paint here in the Bay Area -



http://www.gardner-gibson.com/linedetails.aspx?id=57



I think a good quality outdoor latex paint works fine too.



Best,



August





August Goers



Luminalt Energy Corporation

1320 Potrero Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94110

m: 415.559.1525

o: 415.641.4000

aug...@luminalt.com



*From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Drake
*Sent:* Thursday, June 09, 2011 6:33 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Paint for Rubber Flashings



Hello Wrenches,

We had a discussion on the list previously concerning degradation of rubber
boots on flashings due to UV exposure.  Apparently painted boots will hold
up much better than non painted.  Can anyone recommend an appropriate paint
to use?

Thanks,

Drake

Drake Chamberlin
ATHENS ELECTRIC
OH License 44810
CO license 3773
NABCEP Certified PV
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge v Enphase

[benn kilburn]

Mark,I thought that the SolarEdge reduced the 'string' voltage to 1V per 
unit/module, reducing the high DC voltage risk factor, until the inverter 
switch was turned on?
The fact that by hitting the "off" switch on the inverter will reduce the 
potentially high DC voltage to 1V per unit/module could be an advantage from a 
safety perspective (maintenance, firemen/utility workers)
Labor/time-wise, it is like installing both a microinverter system and a string 
inverter system together, soo
benn
DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. benn@daystarsolar.ca780-906-7807 HAVE A SUNNY DAY







From: ma...@berkeleysolar.com
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2011 06:10:05 -0700
Subject: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge v Enphase








Message body




Folks,


Can anyone discern any compelling benefit of using the SolarEdge architecture 
over a Enphase?


It seems to me that with SolarEdge you get the benefits of a microinverter with 
all the downside of series string inverters.

SolarEdge still leaves you with bolting up a box at every module, with high 
voltage (over 250V) DC wiring, and doubling DC connector count.

 


Mark Frye


Berkeley Solar Electric Systems


303 Redbud Way


Nevada City,  CA 95959


(530) 401-8024


www.berkeleysolar.com 




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Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

[Ray Walters]

I would always expect the power monitoring at the inverter ( or in this 
case at the module) to be higher, because of wire losses.  Matt's case 
is about a 4 to 5% difference though, so that only explains maybe half 
the loss at most. I wonder if the inverter monitoring measures incoming 
watts, or before the transformers (if applicable), or other internal 
equipment.
Or is it more a case of "our monitoring is rated +,- 2% accuracy, so 
we're going to calibrate it to +2%" to put a :) on all our readings? 
Meanwhile I could see the utility metering being set on the low side of 
their accuracy window to avoid fights with customers
Have we never had an inverter Manu comment on this seemingly very 
consistent discrepancy?
Has anyone with some seriously calibrated accurate metering determined 
where all these differences are coming from? Cause I'm just guessing 
it's a combination of the above factors, but I don't actually know.
I found a EPRI white paper saying 98% of utility meters are within 2%, 
but I couldn't even find an accuracy spec for Enphase's monitoring.


Ray

/2011 9:11 AM, Bob-O Schultze wrote:

Good point, Matt. We've been required to install a revenue-grade solar 
production KWH meter in Oregon with every system. In 6-7 years with different 
inverter manus, I've never seen an inverter KWH display that wasn't, shall we 
say... exuberant, in relation to the revenue grade meter.
Bob-O


On Jun 9, 2011, at 6:47 AM, m...@solar-energy-solutions.com wrote:

Mark,

We have nine Trina modules on our roof with Enphase.  Enphase says the
array has produced 2,680 kWh to date.  The revenue grade meter 12 feet
away says 2,564.  Until I hear otherwise I am reluctant to consider
Enphase reporting precise.  It seems to be similar to what I would expect
from a string inverter.  I would be delighted to hear more anecdotes
confirming your observations.


Regards,

Matt


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Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge v Enphase

[Mark Frye]

Indeed.
 
Yes it is 1v per module when not operating, but still >250V when operating.
That means that all code requirements for >250V still apply to the DC wiring
such as bonding bushings for conduit as required etc.
 
SolarEdge is making hay off of this safety feature, but this feature is
inherent in microinverters as well. 


Mark Frye 
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 
303 Redbud Way 
Nevada City,  CA 95959 
(530) 401-8024 
  www.berkeleysolar.com  

 

  _  

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 10:54 AM
To: Wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge v Enphase


Mark, 
I thought that the SolarEdge reduced the 'string' voltage to 1V per
unit/module, reducing the high DC voltage risk factor, until the inverter
switch was turned on?

The fact that by hitting the "off" switch on the inverter will reduce the
potentially high DC voltage to 1V per unit/module could be an advantage from
a safety perspective (maintenance, firemen/utility workers)

Labor/time-wise, it is like installing both a microinverter system and a
string inverter system together, soo

benn

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc.  
b...@daystarsolar.ca
780-906-7807 
HAVE A SUNNY DAY 
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[RE-wrenches] Tigo to go?

[Marco Mangelsdorf]

Nowhere close.  I'm not a believer in using micro inverters for large
commercial projects.  Plus, I'm pushed to the limit on this particular
project to keep the costs down in order to satisfy the PPA investors.
Off-line I'll tell you what I'm charging.  I never thought I could/would go
that low.  But our industry (and I've been in the RE biz since the late
1970s) has been taken over by bean counters, financiers/bankers and lawyers.
(Sorry, Michael..)

 

marco

 

Marco,

 

I understand that the cost of electricity in Hawaii is pretty high so cost
can be justified. But don't forget the cost of bolting up each optimizer.
And the cost of doubling the number of cable connection, now and possibly in
the future. Complexity increase cost in the long run?

 

How closely have you looked at this? It looks like the Tigo is already about
1/4 the cost of an Enphase. So how close are you to moving from an optimizer
/ inverter combination to a microinverter?

 
Mark Frye 
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 
303 Redbud Way 
Nevada City,  CA 95959 
(530) 401-8024 
  www.berkeleysolar.com  

 

 

  _  

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 7:59 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Tigo to go?

What's the feedback on these Tigo buggers?  I'm not talking about sites
where shading is an issue, but a nice big commercial roof with no shading.

 

Specifically, I'm talking about a 400-module system feeding into a single PV
Powered 100 kW inverter.

 

Anyone have an opinion whether spending another $15,000 on gobs of little
tiny Tigos would be worth it as far as increased kWhs production?

 

Obviously it's in Tigo's interest to say emphatically yes.  But I is
wonderin'.

 

marco

 

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[RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

[Marco Mangelsdorf]

I'm looking for a bare-bones, cheap (hah!) web-based monitoring system for
three-phase systems using either Satcon or PV Powered inverters.

 

I'm having a hard time finding any package (it doesn't have to be bloomin'
"revenue-grade") under $3,000.

 

Anyone know of anything reputable and lower cost out there?

 

Thanks,

marco

 

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[RE-wrenches] Underwater wire

[Kristopher Schmid]

I have an installation that is a ground mount on a berm with a man-made pond
between the array and the BOS.  The pond is about 4 feet deep.  How would
you wrenches make this run? in weighted conduit with primer and glued
joints? use boring and go under? out of conduit with wire directly in the
water?

Does code have anything to say about this specifically?

Thanks as always.

-- 
Thanks,
Kris Schmid

Legacy Solar, LLC
864 Clam Falls Trail
Frederic, WI 54837
715-653-4295
www.legacysolar.com
sol...@legacysolar.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Underwater wire

[Nathan Jones]

Kris,
We work on boat docks on army corps of engineer lakes frequently and they have 
wire in direct contact with water everywhere. The lakes here are flood control 
and fluctuate a lot, like 50 feet in a given year. The marinas are dragging the 
feeder wires all over the place on rocky bottoms. We kill very few people with 
this insane practice but as the feeder wires age I believe the fatalities will 
increase. This is ground referenced service in fresh water with poor conducting 
capability in the water. Very dangerous yet allowed.
Your situation would be quite safe IMHO as there would be no stressing of the 
delivery system.
Nathan Jones
Power Source Solar
417-827-0738

On Thu Jun 9th, 2011 2:30 PM CDT Kristopher Schmid wrote:

>I have an installation that is a ground mount on a berm with a man-made pond
>between the array and the BOS.  The pond is about 4 feet deep.  How would
>you wrenches make this run? in weighted conduit with primer and glued
>joints? use boring and go under? out of conduit with wire directly in the
>water?
>
>Does code have anything to say about this specifically?
>
>Thanks as always.
>
>-- 
>Thanks,
>Kris Schmid
>
>Legacy Solar, LLC
>864 Clam Falls Trail
>Frederic, WI 54837
>715-653-4295
>www.legacysolar.com
>sol...@legacysolar.com

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Re: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

[Joel Davidson]

Daron Stein
Locus Energy LLC
646 395 9913(desk)
646 660 5223 (cell)
www.locusenergy.com


  - Original Message - 
  From: Marco Mangelsdorf 
  To: 'RE-wrenches' 
  Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 11:52 AM
  Subject: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring


  I'm looking for a bare-bones, cheap (hah!) web-based monitoring system for 
three-phase systems using either Satcon or PV Powered inverters.

   

  I'm having a hard time finding any package (it doesn't have to be bloomin' 
"revenue-grade") under $3,000.

   

  Anyone know of anything reputable and lower cost out there?

   

  Thanks,

  marco

   



--


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Re: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

[Glenn Burt]

The 30kW & up PV Powered inverters we have been installing lately have an
Ethernet connection built in.

Connect it to a LAN with internet visibility, go to the mypvpowered.com
website, enter the S/N of the inverter & a few other details & voila - free
logging!

 

Admittedly it has a few flaws, but did I mention it was free?

 

-Glenn Burt 

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 2:53 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

 

I'm looking for a bare-bones, cheap (hah!) web-based monitoring system for
three-phase systems using either Satcon or PV Powered inverters.

 

I'm having a hard time finding any package (it doesn't have to be bloomin'
"revenue-grade") under $3,000.

 

Anyone know of anything reputable and lower cost out there?

 

Thanks,

marco

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

[Jeff Clearwater]

I second the motion on Locus Energy. Inexpensive and effective and you can do 
load monitoring too. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 9, 2011, at 3:37 PM, "Joel  Davidson"  
wrote:

> Daron Stein
> Locus Energy LLC
> 646 395 9913(desk)
> 646 660 5223 (cell)
> www.locusenergy.com
> 
> - Original Message -
> From: Marco Mangelsdorf
> To: 'RE-wrenches'
> Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 11:52 AM
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring
> 
> I’m looking for a bare-bones, cheap (hah!) web-based monitoring system for 
> three-phase systems using either Satcon or PV Poweredinverters.
> 
>  
> 
> I’m having a hard time finding any package (it doesn’t have to be bloomin’ 
> “revenue-grade”) under $3,000.
> 
>  
> 
> Anyone know of anything reputable and lower cost out there?
> 
>  
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> marco
> 
>  
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

[William Miller]

Marco:

Define "monitoring."

Are you content with recording net AC to the grid with sub metering on each 
inverter AC?  E-gauge can do that.


I installed an E-gauge on an off-grid commercial system today and it was 
not half bad.


http://www.egauge.net/

William




At 11:52 AM 6/9/2011, Marco Mangelsdorf wrote:

Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
boundary="=_NextPart_000_014E_01CC2682.9C175300"
Content-Language: en-us

xmlns:ns0="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags">
I'm looking for a bare-bones, cheap (hah!) web-based monitoring system for 
three-phase systems using either Satcon or PV Powered inverters.


I'm having a hard time finding any package (it doesn't have to be bloomin' 
"revenue-grade") under $3,000.


Anyone know of anything reputable and lower cost out there?

Thanks,
marco

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No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1375 / Virus Database: 1513/3690 - Release Date: 06/09/11


William Miller
Miller Solar
Voice :805-438-5600
email: will...@millersolar.com
http://millersolar.com
License No. C-10-773985
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Underwater wire

[Jesse Dahl]

There utility companies up here in northern MN bring power to islands all the 
time. The have cable underwater. Maybe contact Minnesota Power

Jesse

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 9, 2011, at 3:48 PM, Nathan Jones  wrote:

> Kris,
> We work on boat docks on army corps of engineer lakes frequently and they 
> have wire in direct contact with water everywhere. The lakes here are flood 
> control and fluctuate a lot, like 50 feet in a given year. The marinas are 
> dragging the feeder wires all over the place on rocky bottoms. We kill very 
> few people with this insane practice but as the feeder wires age I believe 
> the fatalities will increase. This is ground referenced service in fresh 
> water with poor conducting capability in the water. Very dangerous yet 
> allowed.
> Your situation would be quite safe IMHO as there would be no stressing of the 
> delivery system.
> Nathan Jones
> Power Source Solar
> 417-827-0738
> 
> On Thu Jun 9th, 2011 2:30 PM CDT Kristopher Schmid wrote:
> 
>> I have an installation that is a ground mount on a berm with a man-made pond
>> between the array and the BOS.  The pond is about 4 feet deep.  How would
>> you wrenches make this run? in weighted conduit with primer and glued
>> joints? use boring and go under? out of conduit with wire directly in the
>> water?
>> 
>> Does code have anything to say about this specifically?
>> 
>> Thanks as always.
>> 
>> -- 
>> Thanks,
>> Kris Schmid
>> 
>> Legacy Solar, LLC
>> 864 Clam Falls Trail
>> Frederic, WI 54837
>> 715-653-4295
>> www.legacysolar.com
>> sol...@legacysolar.com
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Underwater wire

[Allan Sindelar]

  
  
Kris,
I don't know a Code-compliant solution, having not faced this. But
I'll suggest that you not attempt to glue and seal conduit to keep
the conductors dry, as it won't work permanently. Use wet-rated
wire, expecting any conduit to provide only physical protection.
THWN is wet-rated - that's the W. You might consider submersible
pump cable also.
Allan


  
  
  Allan Sindelar
  al...@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic
  Installer
  NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
  New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
  Positive Energy, Inc.
  3201 Calle Marie
  Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
  505 424-1112
  www.positiveenergysolar.com
  
  
  
   

On 6/9/2011 7:31 PM, Jesse Dahl wrote:

  There utility companies up here in northern MN bring power to islands all the time. The have cable underwater. Maybe contact Minnesota Power

Jesse

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 9, 2011, at 3:48 PM, Nathan Jones  wrote:


  
Kris,
We work on boat docks on army corps of engineer lakes frequently and they have wire in direct contact with water everywhere. The lakes here are flood control and fluctuate a lot, like 50 feet in a given year. The marinas are dragging the feeder wires all over the place on rocky bottoms. We kill very few people with this insane practice but as the feeder wires age I believe the fatalities will increase. This is ground referenced service in fresh water with poor conducting capability in the water. Very dangerous yet allowed.
Your situation would be quite safe IMHO as there would be no stressing of the delivery system.
Nathan Jones
Power Source Solar
417-827-0738

On Thu Jun 9th, 2011 2:30 PM CDT Kristopher Schmid wrote:



  I have an installation that is a ground mount on a berm with a man-made pond
between the array and the BOS.  The pond is about 4 feet deep.  How would
you wrenches make this run? in weighted conduit with primer and glued
joints? use boring and go under? out of conduit with wire directly in the
water?

Does code have anything to say about this specifically?

Thanks as always.

-- 
Thanks,
Kris Schmid

Legacy Solar, LLC
864 Clam Falls Trail
Frederic, WI 54837
715-653-4295
www.legacysolar.com
sol...@legacysolar.com



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